Thread: Hi there! Fascinated and wondering how to approach shaving..

Hi there! My insomniac internet surfing has led me to your forum..

I'm actually not even sure how I ended up here (haha) but, I have become completely fascinated with the concept of using a straight razor on my legs and lady bits, especially because I've had major issues the past few years with ingrown hairs and itchy legs from shaving and If I'm reading this right I'm seeing that some are saying that shaving with a straight razor can help prevent this.(?)

Anyways, I'd love it if someone could maybe point me in the right direction of useful information for someone who has no idea what they're doing.. Maybe starting with what kind of razor to get? I searched and found so many different types and I'd really prefer not to spend $100 on one I'd have to sharpen myself (Even if that sounds like so much fun!) if I can get away using one that costs around $20 with disposable razors (Less fun, but cheaper).

Start with the WIKI up above. That will get you alot of info.
There are several companies selling disposables, for not alot of money. I am not sure of your location, but here in the States local Barber/Beauty supply shops have the razors and disposables. Those are the LOW end. You can move up the spectrum of quality and price by linking to Sponsors of this site. They also sell disposables ,but of higher quality. I haven't used a disposablemyself, I jumped right in to a Thiers Issard and a Dovo, plus a few vintage eBay blades I am restoring myself.
Something to consider though is that a professionally honed Dovo will run about $100, and a decent strop will be about $50. As long as you take care of your blade you will only need to have it honed once a year or so, at about 15-20$.
If you decide to go the non-disposable route there are also several Members here selling restored razors, well-honed, for less than $100.

Good luck.

Welcome to the site!

I've definately found straight razor shaving a vast improvement on cartridge razors of any sort. The blades are much better quality, the soaps are WAY better and the extra time taken to prep the skin and hair really helps too.

I know a lot of the ladies here recommend a small, round point razor as a good starting point. The round point means you are less likely to gouge yourself with the point and the smaller size (4/8" or 5/8") makes manouvering the blade far easier.

DOVO do a small 3/8" blade called the Jubilaum, which you can read about here, and some smaller 4/8" razors do come up for sale in the classifieds here as well from time to time. I'd avoid eBay for the time being until you know what you are looking for in terms of good/bad makes and damaged blades, which crop up all the time.

The most important thing is that your razor is shave ready. Most razors are not ready to use right from the factory and will require some sort of honing before use. The razors that are sold from registered Vendors (in the Vendors Corner forum) and via the classifieds will come shave ready. If you're not sure, talk to the vendor before buying.

You'll also need a strop to keep your blade in good shape and you can get one from here. SRD sell great strops and I definately recommend them. Other strop sellers include Tony Miller, The Invisible Edge and Classic Shaving. If you have any strop related questions please feel free to ask!

The brush and soap are not mandatory but do add a lot to the shave. What you get here is really up to you and there are more fragrances out there than you can think of..! Brushes vary in cost from boar brushes for a few pounds up to hundreds of pounds for a top notch badger hair brush.

Its worth dropping a PM to CarrieM or to Silver so they can grant you access to the Ladies Only forum as well, and to say hi..!

Good luck and keep us posted!

If your in the UK, shaving shops are very rare that sell straight razors. Stropshop.com has some very nice reasonably priced strops and I have bought one two weeks ago and its great, either that or the last 7 shaves were down to my superior stropping technique and not the strop... yeah right

I actually have a very small blade that's too small for my beard but, i'll post pics and if Stubear could have a look to see if it's what you need then I can send it out to ya for nuthin as thats what I got it for and I'll get it honed as well.

Thats a very kind offer Alex!

I've heard the ladies here say a small round point works well so that looks suitable to me, but if any of the ladies do see this please let us know your thoughts..!

Also, if you'd like me to I'm happy to hone her up pro bono and mail her onwards?

Thats a very kind offer Alex!

I've heard the ladies here say a small round point works well so that looks suitable to me, but if any of the ladies do see this please let us know your thoughts..!

Also, if you'd like me to I'm happy to hone her up pro bono and mail her onwards?

That would be great Stubear! I was gonna send it off to get honed as I haven't started honin yet and the price of honing is nothing in relation to how much saved shaving with a straight but if you could hone it that would be great.

Well, If Natassia wants the razor, I'll send it down, I'll leave a message in your inbox Natassia.

Originally Posted by Stubear

Thats a very kind offer Alex!

I've heard the ladies here say a small round point works well so that looks suitable to me, but if any of the ladies do see this please let us know your thoughts..!

Also, if you'd like me to I'm happy to hone her up pro bono and mail her onwards?

Stu and Alex, what a wonderful offer from both of you!! That is what makes this place great! This looks like it would be a good razor for Natassia to start out with. Many thanks to both of you for the offer.


Welome to the site Natassia, Straight razor shaving is a very enjoyable way to pamper yourself. Check out the sticky here http://www.straightrazorplace.com/fo...8577-faqs.html for some basic information and feel free to drop Silver or I a PM with any questions.